Magnificent Mekong

Enjoy an excursion to the scenic Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey, Man Hill and Woman Hill. Meet your guide and drive by motor coach into the countryside to see this pair of summits. Upon arrival, marvel at the enormous gilded Buddha statuary at the base of the mountains and the memorial stupas placed here to honor those lost in the Killing Fields during the dark era of the Khmer Rouge. The gardens here are still used during traditional festivals. Admire the Phnom Pros pagoda on its namesake summit; atop Phnom Srey, a few nuns have taken up residence to maintain the temple there. During your visit, you might encounter some of the playful monkeys that call these hills home. Afterward, visit a nearby village, where you will meet farmers and artisans who will welcome you into their homes and show off their craftwork while you learn about this self-sustaining community.

Travel by tuk-tuk through a vibrant city and a verdant village to glimpse the duality of Cambodian life. Disembark your ship, climb into the back of a tuk-tuk and begin your exploration of Kampong Cham. Take to the busy streets to see colorful markets and buildings where the blend of the Cambodian and French colonial styles is most apparent. Next, cross over the Mekong towards the island of Koh Pen. Depending on the time of year, you may see the Bamboo Bridge, an impressive structure of bamboo stalks that span across the river, which are disassembled and rebuilt annually with each passing season. Once across, meander through the peaceful countryside to catch a glimpse of rural Cambodian life, where you can see chickens roaming the roads and harvested produce set out in baskets. View rice fields and farms, where people tend to a range of crops, including lemons and grapefruits.